Container cargo imports in the United States in August, compared to the same period last year %It showed a significant increase of 12.9 percent. Despite this rise in import volume, compared to July, which saw a 26-month peak %There was a slight drop of 3.
This increase led to congestion in major ports, reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic, when volumes exceeding 2.4 million TEU ⁇ (twenty-foot equivalent units) caused significant cargo deposits.
The International Longshoremen ⁇ s Association (ILA), which represents 45,000 port workers and operates in 36 U.S. ports, said it was ready for industrial action if no new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) was signed before the current agreement expires on September 30. The dispute between the two sides focuses on various disputes, including wages, benefits, and the controversial issue of automation.
A.P. Moller-Maersk, a key member of USMX, has expressed concern to clients about the increased likelihood of strikes at major ports such as New York/New Jersey, Houston and Savannah, Georgia.
The company warned that even a one-week work stoppage could lead to a 4-6-week recovery period, and the impact of the strike would increase with each passing day.
Retailers in the U.S. adjusted their strategies by anticipating potential disruptions and highlighting holiday promotions to ensure seasonal products arrive on time.
This change is partly due to the fact that the Christmas shopping season is shorter because Thanksgiving is later this year. One of the largest container shipping customers, Walmart and Target, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN).com ⁇ un has already made early back-to-school sales to avoid the Prime Day event.
The increase in imports is not limited to consumer products only; Trade researchers noted that increased shipments in the industrial sector also contributed to the increase in cargo volumes.
The situation at the ports has become delicate as the possibility of strikes adds pressure to the already tense supply chain.
